Two bronze statues honouring rock legends have been unveiled this afternoon.

The Glimmer Twins are on display at One Bell Corner, in Dartford High Street, as a tribute to Rolling Stones Sir Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

They were commissioned by Dartford council and paid for with a public art contribution by Bellway London’s Copperhouse Green Development, on Lowfield Street, in the town centre.

Leader of the council Cllr Jeremy Kite said: “We have always wanted to celebrate the contribution that they made to the town and the fact they continue to be very interested in us.

“It is a straightforward celebration of two people who have gone from Dartford to change the world.

“But there is another message. We want to inspire a new generation of creative young people to do their own thing.

“I think young people have a lot of pressure on them these days but we want them to be a bit like Mick, a bit like Keith, go out beyond their horizons and achieve in their chosen field or endeavour.

“Whatever it is, go out and change the world. Even if it is not as big an impact as the Rolling Stones have had, you can still make an impact. The idea is to inspire people.”

He added: “Many Dartfordians have gone on to change our world but in terms of culture and music, you do not get much more influential than The Rolling Stones.

“Their music has changed the face of popular music and these lads from Dartford are now two of the most recognisable and loved people in the world.”

The statues, created by sculptor Amy Goodman, capture the pair, who grew up in the town, mid-performance.

Ms Goodman said: “I got the amazing news I had won this commission about a year ago. We could have done anything, they are Dartford boys, I could have sculpted them meeting on platform 2 or I could have sculpted them as they are today.

“But I thought capturing them mid-performance, they have so much charisma, energy and dynamism, I just wanted that to come through. I wanted to get the essence of them really.

“This was so much fun to do. I love their music, and I had to tp myself from getting too choked up and being overwhelmed by it because I did not want it to get in the way of doing the best job I could. I immersed myself in it.

“I think it is an inspiration. Youngsters have been having a tough time but I think it shows anyone from any walk of life, if they are dedicated and have passion and work hard, you can live your dreams.”

Crowds of people came out to watch the unveiling this afternoon. One who had been waiting for almost an hour, Temple Hill resident Debra Korean, said: “We are quite proud. They are brilliant.

“It tells the people of Dartford to just go for it and to go for what they want to do. We can achieve anything. It is a very positive message.”

Rolling Stones fans Jenny LeBeau and her friend Mandy Addley had also been waiting to catch the first glimpse of the stars.

Jenny, who lives in Belvedere, and saw the band for the first time when she was 13 years old, said: “We are lifelong fans and have been to see them back in the day.

“They are really good. They really capture Jagger’s movement, that is all he is about. It sends a great message. People are very proud that they come from around here.”

Richards’ daughter Angela Richards and granddaughter Ava Richards-Whitney, 12, were also in attendance.

Speaking to KentOnline, Angela said: “I just think it is amazing, it is an honour for them and Dartford to recognise the work they have done and the art industry.

“I think it is good to celebrate and to introduce the younger generation to what you can accomplish.

“I used to live him and grew up here, so to come back and see it, it has been really lovely."

And speaking on what her dad would think, she added: “He would love it. He would absolutely love this and be really proud I am sure.”

The rock legends, who went on to sell millions of records and take the world by storm, started from humble beginnings in Dartford.

Richards lived above a parade of shops in Chastilian Road while Jagger was raised in Denver Road.

The pair first knew each other as pupils at Wentworth Primary School before going their separate ways for their secondary education before meeting again at Dartford station in 1961.

The all-important railway meeting resulted in an innocent chat about music as they waited for their train.

They would eventually go on to answer an advert placed by Brian Jones for bandmates to form a new group called The Rolling Stones. And the rest is history.